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IndiGo to Cut Ties with Turkish Airlines in 3 Months Over Turkiye’s Pro-Pakistan Stance

By Siddharth Singh R

Posted on May 31, 2025

IndiGo to Cut Ties with Turkish Airlines in 3 Months Over Turkiye’s Pro-Pakistan Stance

New Delhi: In a major development, IndiGo Airlines has been directed by India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), to terminate its leasing agreement with Turkish Airlines within the next three months. This move follows growing tensions over Turkiye’s recent political support for Pakistan and criticism of India’s counter-terror operations.

The DGCA issued a “one-time last and final extension” allowing IndiGo to continue operating two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft—currently leased from Turkish Airlines—until August 31, 2025. The extension was granted to prevent sudden flight disruptions and passenger inconvenience, as the lease was set to expire on May 31.

The decision is aligned with the Indian government’s broader stance amid diplomatic friction with Turkiye. Earlier this month, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground handling firm Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, citing national security concerns. Simultaneously, several travel portals and industry groups have issued advisories against traveling to Turkiye.

IndiGo currently operates direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul using the leased aircraft. The airline had requested a six-month extension but was granted only three months, with strict instructions not to seek any further extensions.

“The extension is granted based on IndiGo’s undertaking to end the damp lease arrangement with Turkish Airlines within this period,” the DGCA said in a statement.

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers affirmed the airline’s commitment to follow all government regulations. “We are compliant today and will continue to comply with government directives,” he told PTI.

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu stated that the ministry is evaluating inputs from IndiGo and relevant security agencies before finalizing future actions.

This development signals a significant shift in India’s aviation ties, directly influenced by geopolitical concerns.